Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management

Purpose:

The Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management equips learners with the advanced knowledge, capabilities and skills to execute the main roles of human resources management at middle management level which include:

• Strategic planning of human resources.
• Talent sourcing, administration and effective utilisation of human capital.
• Human resources development.
• Labour and employee relations.

On completion, the qualifying learner is competent in formulating, interpreting and implementing corporate human resources strategies, problem-solving and decision making in managerial situations. The learner can:

• Perform human resource planning and talent management as a strategic partner of an organisation.
• Carry out human resources practices within a workplace.
• Contribute to the improvement of labour and employee relations in the workplace.
• Manage and improve productivity within an organisation.
• Execute human resources administrative duties according to organisational practices and HR standards.

The qualification provides learners with knowledge and learning experiences needed by human resource practitioners in the provisioning of competencies linked to management, labour relations, human resources planning and administration, talent management, development, and productivity, thereby potentially bettering the Human Resource Management function of an organisation. This qualification will allow the learner access to further learning in the same or a related field.

Rationale:

The imperative to adapt and adjust to a continuously changing work environment justifies the introduction of a qualification that will be relevant and responsive to the prevalent HR practices and standards as upheld by a professional or accredited body (SABPP). The curriculum was designed in consultation with the SABPP and the Human Resource University Forum (HRUF).

The qualification produces learners that are strategic partners and competent to operationalise aspects of the core processes and practices at a strategic level across the four role clusters identified in the field analysis:

1. Research and strategic planning for human resources management and practices.
2. Talent acquisition, development, utilisation of human capital and retention.
3. Establishment and improvement of labour and employee relations.
4. Compensation and administration related to human resources management and practices.

Typical learners are Diploma in Human Resources Management learners, those that are furthering their qualifications and those that have been working in a human resources related environment. Qualifying learners work as human resources practitioners, strategic partners, human resources consultants, human resources development practitioners, labour relations practitioners, change specialists, etc.

This qualification could enable the qualifying learner to acquire professional registration with the South African Board of Peoples Practice (SABPP). The qualification gives learners a competitive advantage for employability and promotion. It enables holders to enter learning programmes for a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, with a specialist focus in one or more of the four role clusters.

Holding the qualification serves as an indicator to organisations that a person is knowledgeable and competent in this regard. The acquired knowledge serves as a benchmark to gauge the competence of people in the organisation against those of their local and international competitors. The society benefits from an accredited qualification to produce competent human resources leaders that can add value to the economy.